"...The Rosewood hotel Las Ventanas al Paraíso in Los Cabos, Mexico, implemented a “try before you buy” program for its beach villas a year ago. “We always say that seeing is believing,” says Frederic Vidal, the hotel’s managing director. “And with so many other beautiful private residences available for purchase around the world, having buyers stay can show them how we are different.” The view from Las Ventanas al Paraíso in Los Cabos. The nightly bill is deducted from the house’s sale price. Source: Snell Real Estate Vidal doesn’t extend a special rate; guests pay at least $6,900 per night (breakfast included), typically staying for three nights. The bill, which can include spa treatments and dog-walking services, is deducted from the sale price. (Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate in Cabo handles the logistics.) Seven homes, ranging in price from $2.7 million to more than $7 million, have sold through this “test-drive” program. “People who have stayed tell me that they’ve never seen this type of service for that price. It’s a good value and a good investment,” Vidal says. “The concept is basic, but it works.”